Conor Benn Makes Key Move After Suspension Lifted

Conor Benn released a statement via his X account, claiming he had been cleared following his two positive tests for the fertility drug clomifene. These tests took place before his scheduled fight with Chris Eubank in October 2022. Despite the statements from Benn, UKAD clarified the decision of the independent National Anti-Doping Panel but mentioned their right to appeal. Team Benn appears to be moving forward with planning the comeback for “The Destroyer,” and respected manager Keith Connolly will be joining the team and acting as the co-manager for the 28-year-old.

Conor Benn Teams Up with Keith Connolly

Keith Connolly Shares Vision for Conor Benn

It appears the two-year saga plaguing the career of Benn is coming to an end, with the provisional suspension lifted. The cloud of U.K. Anti-Doping is yet to be lifted while they way up their right to appeal. With this saga seemingly coming to an end, “The Destroyer” has made a key move in hiring Connolly to co-manage his comeback.

When speaking to Fight Freaks Unite about the deal, Connolly said: “I look forward to working with Eddie Hearn and the rest of the Matchroom team to make this kid a global star. He’s on the threshold of some mega fights like a Chris Eubank Jr. fight, possibly a Gervonta Davis or Ryan Garcia fight at some point in the future. Those are the types of fights we are all targeting in the next few years.”

Read More: Eddie Hearn Confirms Conor Benn’s Return, Says There’s ‘No Doubt’

Benn was recently seen at ringside for Ennis vs. Karen Chukhadzhian II and spoke to DAZN: “I’m excited to get my career back on the road,” Benn said on DAZN while at the Ennis fight. “It’s been a long time coming. It’s been a long two years, been through hell and back, but I’m ready to remind everybody why I’m the best 147 on the planet and I’m ready to prove that. (Barrios) is the fight I really want. If Jaron Ennis wants to fight, we can get that on. If Eubank wants it and he doesn’t muck about, and he really wants it, he can get it. I’ll go up to 160, give him a good beating, drop back down to 147 and challenge for the world titles. The WBC 147 title is the dream belt. I’ll go right into it, no warm up needed.”

Background on Keith Connolly and Future for Benn

Connolly is one of the most respected managers in boxing, dealing regularly with Eddie Hearn, Benn’s promoter. He has landed big fights for many of his clients throughout the years, including Edgar Berlanga, Daniel Jacobs, Filip Hrgovic and Richardson Hitchins, to name just a few.

Read More: Explaining What Happened With Conor Benn Positive PED Test

Giving thanks to team Benn and looking ahead to the future, Connolly said: “I wanted to give a special shout out to (Benn trainer) Tony Sims and his son, (co-manager) Charlie Sims and his main man (and attorney) Lee Emptage for inviting me onto Team Benn to help take Conor to the next level. It’s an honour,” Connolly said. “Expect huge nights ahead for Conor Benn in 2025 and beyond.”